Vintage Japanese Textiles:

Japanese Asa (Hemp) Fabric

1950's Deadstock Roll

Width: 14 inches /35.6 cmLength: 12 yards/ 11m

Catalog# 5380:

US$45.00

USA Shipping free under 4 pounds

Fabric History/Pedigree: 1950's or earlier Deadstock(never used), unusual Japanese vintage asa (hemp/flax fiber) fabric; For use in making a summer woman's kimono; fabric is slightly porous and translucent by nature; Large Camellia flowers run lengthwise entire roll.

This is a rarely seen deadstock asa (flax/hemp) in that most of the asa we find are pieces from old garments or coverlets, whereas this came to us in a full unused bolt in original binding and labels certified as bonafide asa. Asa is a reed-based (flax or hemp) fabric more common in Japan in the pre-World War II era, particularly in Meiji period and earlier; Asa is much stronger than cotton and lasts longer;

Historically, Asa fabrics were used to make some summer clothing, various covers, cloth to cover cabinet doors or food, mosquito netting and similar utilitarian purposes in old agrarian Japan.